I am using a devotion book this year called A Guide to Prayer for All Who Walk with God and it has spoken profoundly into my life in such timely ways.  One of the readings this week has been on the power of tears.  I've experienced lots of tears of late for so many different … Continue reading The Power of Tears

Ever had one of those situations where you just couldn't make sense of what was happening?  It wasn't that you stopped paying attention and then got surprised.  Quite the opposite.  You were working really hard towards a goal but then it all starts heading in a different direction.  I was having a conversation with someone … Continue reading Finding Jesus Space

Have you been hit with the crud that is going around?  I can't count on one hand the people around me most that have not had some kind of sickness over the last 2 months.  It's like nothing I remember seeing.  I am on the mends from my bout with a sore throat causing me … Continue reading Practicing Being Still

I love it when various conversations in my life converge and especially when it has to do with an upcoming sermon! As we continue our sermon series this week on John Ortberg's If You Want to Walk on Water You've Got to Get Out of the Boat, we will talk about the scary prospects of … Continue reading Making Do

John Ortberg wrote a really good book several years ago called If You Want to Walk on Water, You Have to Get Out of the Boat.  It's about the famous story of Peter trying to walk on the water to get to Jesus. (Matthew 14:25-32)  There are so many interesting perspectives in this story.  What was … Continue reading Walking on Water

Water.  A simple substance.  2 atoms of Hydrogen and 1 atom of Oxygen.  Absolutely necessary for our body to survive.  We can survive longer without food than we ever could without water.  Life giving substance not only for humans but for all creation.  And the vehicle by which God offers us renewing grace.  Cleansing grace. … Continue reading Remembering Your Baptism

It's December 31st.  A day in which I always write an extra long journal entry and reflect on the past year as we turn the corner to embrace a new year ahead.  Some years are a joy to review.  Others are more difficult.  This year as I think back on some of the highlights, they … Continue reading The Year of Persistence

I cannot believe Christmas is upon us!  I will keep this short and sweet because if you are like me, there is far too much to do then time allows.  So if you want about a 5 minute break that will make you smile and think (and practice hearing a New Zealand accent) as well … Continue reading Brilliant! They Won’t Be Expecting That!

What makes you happy?  Christmas trees, hot chocolate, golf, taking a nap, taking a drink, shopping, making money, spending time with family and friends? Many of us find ourselves in an ever-increasing pressure cooker kind of search for happiness.  Particularly during this season of the year, it's supposed to just ooze from us naturally, right? … Continue reading Happiness Strategies

I hesitate to even write about this topic but it seems avoidant to not even name the recent phenomena happening all around us.  Every day when I turn on the news, another man in a position of power or celebrity has been accused of sexual misconduct of varying sorts and degrees.  I won't list the … Continue reading Why Now?